Every morning, in classrooms across our district, something remarkable happens. A first grader sounds out a word she couldn't read last week. A middle schooler finally cracks a math problem. A high school junior steps onto the stage for the first time, or plates her first dish in culinary class, or watches an experiment in the science lab come to life. These moments don't happen by accident. They happen because a student was there.
That's why attendance matters so much to us. It isn't about rules or record-keeping. It's about making sure every student is present for the learning, friendships, and discoveries that shape who they become. When a student is in school, they're surrounded by teachers who know them, classmates who count on them, and adults who care deeply about their success.
Our school year has just 180 days, and each one counts. Missing only two days a month may not seem like much, but by June it adds up to 10 percent of the school year, nearly four weeks of lost learning. Like a line of dominoes, one missed day can tip into the next, interrupting the momentum a student has worked hard to build.
We also know that getting to school isn't always simple. Illness, transportation, housing changes, anxiety, and family responsibilities can all stand in the way. If your student is facing any barrier, big or small, please reach out to your school. You'll be met with people who want to help find a solution.
Let's work together to make sure every student shows up, every day, ready to learn and grow. We can't wait to see them.
With gratitude,
Elizabeth Grant, Ph.D. Superintendent Salt Lake City School District
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